Fayose ADC Obi warning highlights risk of irrelevance if Peter Obi misses ADC ticket ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 election

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has issued a stark warning that the African Democratic Congress risks political irrelevance if Peter Obi fails to secure its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.

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Fayose made the remarks on Sunday while speaking on Channels Television on the sidelines of the Peoples Democratic Party National Convention in Abuja.

Describing Obi as the party’s central attraction, Fayose said the ADC’s electoral fortunes are closely tied to the former Anambra governor’s presence on the ballot.

“If Obi is not on the ballot of ADC, that is the end of ADC,” Fayose said, adding that current indications suggest Obi may struggle to clinch the ticket.

The former governor pointed to intensifying competition within the party, noting that heavyweight politicians such as Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi are expected to vie for the ADC presidential nomination.

Fayose suggested that the internal dynamics could favour Atiku, raising uncertainty over Obi’s political trajectory ahead of the polls.

“Today, Kwankwaso has returned to the party. Atiku will get the ticket. Will Obi go back to be a vice presidential candidate?” he queried.

He also ruled out any potential return by Obi to the Labour Party, citing deepening internal divisions within the party.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Fayose acknowledged Obi’s strong performance but argued that it was largely driven by personal popularity rather than party structure.

“Obi is a good, fantastic guy, but to become president at this time is difficult,” he said, adding that Obi’s influence could still yield electoral impact even outside major party platforms.

Also read: Peter Obi Condemns Attack on ADC Secretariat Opening

Meanwhile, the PDP National Convention continued in Abuja with more than 2,000 delegates in attendance, amid ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving internal disputes within the opposition party.